Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.

Some Scars Never Fade

WendyNat

Chapter 17

~~~~~~~~

A week later, there was still no sign of Renovo Moreau. In person, at least. According to their reports, owls were continuing to be sent to Xavier with detailed instructions on running the greenhouse. Tonks and Ron had spent much of the past week researching possible suspects and escorting Hestia and Hermione to and from the Ministry offices. The lycanthropy cure work was winding down to the point where another set of hands was just redundant, so Hermione was once again at the Ministry offices, working with Hestia to design the Manere Skele-Gro adjustments.

Walking down to the lab, Tonks checked for wards before knocking on the door and poking her head in. "Are you guys finished for the day?"

Hestia nodded and said, "Perfect timing, Tonks. These test batches have to simmer overnight before we can check them." The two Potions Masters cleared the workspace and set lids on the gently bubbling cauldrons. Tonks admired their efficiency of movement – they worked well together.

"All right… I think we're ready," Hermione said brightly, giving Tonks a tentative smile. The conversation from the prior week had done much to clear the air between them, but they were still careful around each other. "Severus will be shocked – this is the earliest we've gotten done this week," she commented casually as she retrieved her cloak.

Hestia nodded. "Remus isn't expecting us until later, either. Tonks – are you meeting up with Viktor tonight?" Coloring slightly, Tonks muttered an affirmative. "When? I'd like to get a drink before we head back to Hogwarts, if you two are willing. Since the guys aren't expecting us yet… gives us some time."

"That sounds like a good idea," Tonks said. "He – Viktor - won't be back until later tonight. Some emergency meetings came up, and he and Harry were asked to stay."

Hestia grinned as she pulled on her cloak. "Handy bracelet you've got there. Come on."

"No," Tonks said firmly. "Not until you floo Remus and Severus and tell them where we're going."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "They aren't expecting us until later, Tonks… it's no big deal."

"And if Severus tries to floo you after we've left? What will he think when he assumes you're en route to Hogwarts and don't show up?" Tonks pointed out. "Go. Floo. Both of you," she ordered, waving them through the side door and into Hermione's office. Waiting patiently outside the door, she listened long enough to be sure that they were indeed contacting Remus and Severus. Minutes later, they were leaving the Ministry offices and heading for the Leaky Cauldron.

"Bollocks… I hate feeling like a damned teenager, checking in with Daddy so I don't miss curfew," Hestia muttered as they walked. Tonks couldn't suppress a grin at the statement, and Hestia threw her an evil look. "Didn't work, anyway. Remus wasn't in his rooms."

"Severus said he'd tell him," Hermione said.

Hestia shrugged. "I'll still probably have to hear his mouth tonight. Irritating man. You'd think he didn't realize I was an Order member!"

"He's just worried. After what Fudge told the Daily Prophet, who can blame him?" Tonks said as they entered the Leaky Cauldron. In addition to Hermione and Severus' names, the Minister had also named Hestia later in the article as a key driving force behind the latest potions innovations and a collaborator of the other two. Kingsley had been livid. "I think it's sweet."

"Yeah, yeah," Hestia muttered, trying to keep the irritated look on her face. She wasn't successful. Tonks could tell the other woman was pleased at the attention despite her words.

As they found an empty table, Hermione said, "And he definitely has a reason to be worried… you've already been attacked once, after all."

Hestia sat down and made a face. "I wasn't ready for it, then. Why would I be?"

"That's because you weren't practicing constant vigilance!" Tonks said, mimicking Moody's deeper voice. The three women laughed.

Hermione looked around and caught Tom's eye. The barkeep smiled and headed their way with three drinks. "It must be my lucky night," he said. "I assumed you'd want your regulars?" He waited for their nods before placing the drinks in front of them. "Three beautiful women, no menfolk about, ample time to work my charms on you all-" Tom gave a theatrical leer, to which they all laughed "-to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Just grabbing some drinks before heading back to our prison," Hestia said cheekily. "Tonks here is the warden, I suppose." Tonks made a face at her and Tom laughed.

"You couldn't find a finer warden, Hestia. Ignore her, gorgeous - I wouldn't complain if you wanted to follow me around for protection," Tom said, winking at Tonks. "So, how are things, ladies?"

"Fine," Hermione said. "A bit tense, but other than that…" she trailed off.

Tom nodded thoughtfully. "That's not a big surprise, considering all that's going on. You do know, if you ever need anything, you only have to ask, honey," Tom said seriously. Hermione nodded her thanks, smiling. "Well, I'll leave you girls to your talk. Last thing any sane man ought to be around is a pack of women talking," he said, his good humor returned as he left with a wave.

"He's such a sweetheart," Tonks said.

Hestia snorted. "Took Madam Malkin quite a few years to train him up right, but it worked." Hermione looked at her, eyebrow raised in curiosity. Hestia nodded. "Yep - I think they've been seeing each other off and on for decades. Don't know why they never get hitched."

"Both too busy, probably," Hermione said dryly, watching as Tom skillfully maneuvered behind the bar and began serving the crowd that had gathered. "It seems like he never takes a day off, and I can't recall ever going to Madam Malkin's when she wasn't there."

Hestia shrugged. "It's what they love. Tom has rooms upstairs that he lives in; she's got the same above her store. They spend all day socializing and spending time with friends… I don't think they see it as work."

"Doesn't he have a nephew that he lets take the bar on occasion?" Tonks asked.

Hestia nodded. "Yeah. I've seen him in there every now and then. He usually just helps Tom out on busy nights. Anyway, mark my words – if you come in here sometime when Tom's off, then go to Madam Malkin's. I guarantee she'll be off, too."

Tonks took a sip of her drink. "I wonder how much he knows about what's going on," she said thoughtfully.

Hermione shrugged. "Probably most of it. He's read the Daily Prophet articles, and Severus came by during the week to see him." Suddenly she frowned. "It's a bit irritating, really… he can come and go as he pleases, while I have to have armed escort."

Tonks turned the stem of her glass in her fingers, watching the liquid twirl. Offhandedly, she said, "Well, Kingsley may bring that to a stop, actually. Well, he may try, I ought to say." Hermione looked up, shocked.

"What? Has there been-"

"No, nothing new, really. Just some rumors Kingsley's picked up on… rumors that make him think Severus could be a bigger target than originally expected. Well, he'll be talking to him about it soon. I can tell you he's not looking forward to approaching Severus with the suggestion," Tonks said, smiling faintly.

"I can imagine. I wouldn't want to be there, that's for sure," Hestia remarked. "Well… I may want to be there for the entertainment value, as long as I wasn't the one giving him the bad news!"

"When is Kingsley planning on speaking with him about it? Is there really a big concern-" Hermione looked worried, and Tonks smiled reassuringly.

"Relax. It's just a feeling Kingsley's got… and I've learned to trust his feelings. He's not really that concerned – I mean, he knows Severus can take care of himself, it's just that an extra pair of eyes is always an advantage. And if we can catch one of these tossers…" Tonks shrugged. "Anyway, he's supposed to see Kingsley tomorrow morning. They spoke over the floo earlier."

Hestia grinned. "Should I distract Justin while Severus is in the building? Wouldn't want poor little Finch-Fletchley catching an Unforgivable for flirting with an ex-Death Eater's girlfriend."

Hermione groaned and rubbed her face. "How many hints do I have to give the guy?

Tonks looked from Hestia to Hermione and back again. "What's going on?"

Hestia grinned. "Well… seems a certain Mr. Finch-Fletchley has gotten it into his head that Hermione's his dream woman." Ignoring Hermione's snort, she continued, "He's been hanging around, coming up with questions that only she can answer, trying to get her to go to lunch or dinner with him… to talk about work, of course."

"Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more," Tonks said, grinning. Her grin widened when she saw the startled expression on Hermione's face. "Dad's a muggleborn. He loves Monty Python."

"Oh," Hermione said, smiling. "I don't know why it should surprise me so much – I've even gotten Susan to buy a television set, and she's a pureblood. She's addicted to nature documentaries. I forgot your father was muggleborn."

"Yep. Mum always said that marrying Ted Tonks was the best thing she ever did. Not only because she loves him, but it finally got her name blasted off the Black Family Tree. No loss there," Tonks said, taking a swallow of her drink. "Neither of my aunts were people I would want to associate with."

Hermione leaned forward. "I knew Narcissa was your mother's sister… who is your other aunt?"

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Tonks muttered, frowning. "You know, Mum held a party after Harry killed her. Said she was the worst of them all... even when they were growing up. Narcissa was bad, too - always cold, vain, held her nose up in the air… but Bellatrix… she was really a nasty, violent person."

"I believe it," Hestia said darkly. "I've still got a mark on my thigh from a curse she threw at me while my back was turned. If Harry hadn't finished her off when he did, I'd have torn her apart with my bare hands."

"Yeah, that sounds like dear Aunt Bellatrix, all right," Tonks said, shaking her head. "I think there was a line of people waiting to kill her."

Hestia grinned. "Severus, included. He was complaining in some of the Order meetings that her… appetites… didn't seem to have been dampened any by her stay in Hotel Azkaban. Kept propositioning him during Death Eater meetings. She cursed him once when he turned her down – I think she got a dressing-down by Voldemort after that particular instance."

"But… wasn't her husband…" Hermione said, faltering when Hestia nodded with a humorless smile.

Tonks spoke, "I think Rodolphus was a bit… off… in a way – he liked to watch her with other men-" Hermione looked shocked, and Tonks nodded. "I know. Very strange. From what we heard, those two even squicked some of the Death Eaters. And that's not an easy group to shock, I'd have to say. Lucius, now – he was a right jealous bastard. No one got within a foot of Narcissa without his leave unless they wanted a good bout of Crucio."

"Kind of sweet, really, when you think about it," Hestia said, grinning at the look on the other two women's faces. "Well, really – if you take it in context… he was protective of her. Even was able to keep her out of the Last Battle, although I'll wager Voldemort wasn't too pleased about that." Hermione still looked shocked, and Hestia shook her head. "Hermione, they were evil, not inhuman. I saw them together on occasion… they were in love. Completely devoted to each other, and to Draco. Narcissa was almost a little too fond of the boy, really… but, basically - they were a loving family. Twisted and evil, but loving." Hestia paused for a moment and looked at the other two. "How did we get on this subject, anyway?"

"Can't remember," Tonks said simply, draining her glass as she looked at her watch. "But I know what the next subject will be."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"How long it will take you two to finish those drinks and get moving. Come on, time to go," Tonks ordered. "I've got a chess game to get to." She impatiently waited as the other women finished what was left of their drinks and stood.

"That's not the only game you're wanting to play tonight, I'll reckon," Hestia muttered under her breath as she gathered her cloak.

Tonks just smiled in response.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *         

"Remus, don't be ridiculous. We floo'ed Severus, he said he'd tell you… if you want to be mad at someone, go growl at him," Hestia said in an irritated tone. "I told the girls you'd do this."

"Do what? Have the gall to be worried about you?" Remus snapped, running his fingers roughly through his hair. Why didn't she understand? he fumed. She caught his gaze and, using his eyes, he tried to convey his fear, his worry. "Maybe I'm overreacting a little, but…"

"I tried to floo you, ask Hermione!" Hestia said, eyes blazing.

"I don't have to ask her, I know you tried. But you could have tried a little harder! You could have sent an owl! I was worried, Hestia… I try to contact you at the offices, and I'm told you left two hours before… after everything that's happened…" Her eyes softened at his words.

"I can think of better things to do right now than fight," Hestia said in a low voice, walking up to his tense form and sliding a hand around his neck.

Remus watched her, his anger slowly melting as she pulled his head down for a deep, arousing kiss. As she pulled away and began to work the buttons of his robes, he sighed and shook his head, a small grin appearing on his face. "What am I going to do with you, Hestia?" he asked ruefully as she pushed the heavy outer robes from his shoulders.

She reached up then, bringing her lips close to his ear, and breathed, "You're going to take me to bed and shag me until I'm so breathless I can't even scream out your name anymore." He groaned at her words and without a pause, picked her up and flung her over his broad shoulder as she squealed in delight.

"Sounds like a good plan to me," he said, kicking open the door leading to the bedroom.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

Tonks looked at Viktor fondly. The man really couldn't cook well, but she certainly wasn't going to complain. The food was still edible, after all, and there was no point in discouraging him when he was making an effort. Although, she thought as she twirled another mouthful of over-done spaghetti onto her fork, I may have to suggest getting take-out more often.

"Thank you, Viktor – it was nice of you to put this together," she said sincerely. He smiled slightly in response.

"It vas a good effort, at least," Viktor said good-naturedly. "But I think I vill avoid making pasta from now on. I don't seem to haff the knack for it." His dark eyes glinted with amusement as he watched her try to formulate a response. Putting a hand over hers on the table, he said, "Thank you for being so nice, but it is bad. You don't haff to find a nice vay to say it."

With an exaggerated sigh, she sat back and said, "Thank Merlin!" They both laughed, and he took both plates into the kitchen, leaving the basket of garlic bread behind at her request. "The bread is great," she offered.

He was still in the kitchen when he answered, but she could hear the suppressed laughter in his voice. "That is because I did not cook it - I bought it."

"Oh," she said, grinning broadly as he came back into the room. "Well, I'm not with you for your culinary skills, anyway."

He looked at her interestedly, and she held her breath, waiting for his reaction. "Really?"

Blasted man. Ball's back in my court, I guess, she thought wryly. Rising from her chair, she moved over to stand in front of him. "Really."

"Vell, if it is not my vast cooking talent, then vy are you… vith me?" he asked in a teasing tone, putting his arms around her waist. Her stomach flipped – over the last weeks they had done a fair amount of kissing and talking… but this flirtatious tone was a new addition. A new addition that was doing amazing things to her pulse. She had been following his lead up to this point, not wanting to push things too fast and make things awkward between them, but it hadn't been easy.

Deciding to match his teasing tone, she wound her arms around his neck and pretended to think over her answer. "Well… let's see… you'll have access to good seats at Quidditch matches-" he chuckled at this "-we're both Quidditch fanatics… we're both chess fanatics…and…" She paused for a moment. All right, Tonks, time to take the plunge, she thought before continuing, "And I happen to think you're one of the nicest, most interesting men I've met… not to mention devastatingly handsome."

His lips rose in a very sultry half-smile. As he moved his lips to hers, he paused for a moment to say, "I am not a chess fanatic. It vas just an excuse to get closer to you." She stared at him, surprised, as he resumed his motion and caught her up in a deep kiss.

Some time later, they had moved to the couch and were sitting close together, arms entwined. They had gone a bit further than normal, and Tonks was pleased at the progress. Her body still tingled from his caresses and she admitted silently that if she hadn't previously decided to follow his lead, they would likely be on his bed rather than on his couch. Soon, she promised herself as she leaned against his chest, listening to his heartbeat slowly reduce its feverish pace. Looking at the clock, she sighed. "I'd better go soon. I have to be in the office early tomorrow."

Viktor's voice rumbled under her ear, "You haff an early meeting tomorrow?"

Reluctantly, she pulled away from him. "With Kingsley. And Severus. I'm really not looking forward to it… Kingsley thinks Severus needs Auror protection, also."

Viktor looked at her with a curious expression. "Vy? Haff there been more threats?"

"Not directly, no. But there've been some rumors on the street… Kingsley doesn't think he needs protection, per se, but another set of eyes is always useful," Tonks explained. "Severus will agree to it, but I don't think he'll be happy about it."

"But he vanted Hermione to haff the extra eyes," Viktor said. Tonks looked at him, smiling.

"Ah, but that's for her – the big bad former Death Eater doesn't need protection. And besides – I think he likes to complain."

"Hmm. Vy do all my vomen end up haffing to vork vith him? Does the Ministry haff something against me?" Viktor's tone was light, but Tonks regarded him seriously.

"Your women?" she asked, one eyebrow raised. She smiled inwardly at his expression.

"I- I'm sorry… I know I do not really haff a claim on you," Viktor said uncertainly. He looked at her, and in a more steady voice continued, "But you must know I… I feel something for you. I haff… feelings for you." Her heart soared at his words and she couldn't keep a smile from spreading across her face.

"I thought… I thought you might, but I wasn't sure… and you know I'm… I mean, I have feelings for you, too," Tonks said, stammering slightly. His eyes softened and he pulled her into an embrace. Closing her eyes and leaning into him, she whispered, "You have nothing to worry about. He's nothing compared to you."

"I'm glad you think so," Viktor replied, and this time she could hear the smile in his voice.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

"Have you lost what's left of your wits, Kingsley?"

Kingsley sat back in his chair and exchanged a look with Tonks. He had known this wouldn't go over well, and he settled himself in for a long discussion. Casually, he responded, "I don't believe so, Severus." The other man's eyebrows drew together further, and he opened his mouth to respond. Before any sound came out, Kingsley leaned forward and said earnestly, "Listen, Severus. We've run out of leads. We have an idea Vincent Crabbe is involved – he hasn't been seen around the Crabbe estates in some time. And Moreau is still a no-show at his greenhouses. We've heard nothing from the perpetrators in a week. We're in a hurry-up-and-wait pattern, and as you know, that's the most dangerous time.

"Their efforts have been thwarted as far as the ransom is concerned… for the time being. As a direct result of you, Hermione, and Hestia's information to the Minister concerning the potion. And, no doubt, that has made them frustrated. On top of that, Fudge opened his thrice-damned mouth and spouted off about how you, Hermione, and Hestia are Merlin's gift to all things potion-related and are the only ones capable of brewing a potion such as this.

"We already have Aurors watching Hestia and Hermione's backs. I would be lax in my duties if I didn't assign someone to watch your back as well. I know you can take care of yourself, hell - you've seen more and done more than any Auror I could assign to you. Including myself. But another pair of eyes is never a bad thing. And if you are attacked, then by Merlin I want someone else there to catch the bastard. If you're alone, I've no doubt you could fend them off but are you sure that, in the excitement, you'd be able to also apprehend one of them?" Kingsley smiled then. "Alive, that is?"

Severus sat motionless for a moment, and then let out an irritated breath. "Fine. But only coming and going. I don't need some Auror puppy following me around all day."

"Thank you, Severus. There have been reports of rumors that mention your name. I have reason to suspect that they may see you as an easier target because of the lack of Auror protection. And for that reason, any Auror accompaniment will be done in secret," Kingsley said.

"So I'm to be bait?" Severus asked. The thought didn't appear to faze the former Death Eater - if anything, he looked excited at the prospect. Kingsley hid a smile and nodded. "Invisibility cloak?" Kingsley nodded again.

"And Disillusionment charms, in case the cloak is blown by the wind or something like that happens," Tonks offered, speaking up for the first time.

Severus stood, his black robes settling around him heavily. "Very well, then. Who's my escort this morning? I do have some work to get back to," he said acidly.

Tonks grinned and stood. "I'm your Auror puppy this morning, Severus. Kingsley – the cloak?" Kingsley handed her a bundle of silver cloth, and she followed Severus from the office.

"I would like to drop in and see what progress Hermione and Hestia have made on the Manere adjustments, if that wouldn't put you out any," Severus said, his lips thin with annoyance.

Tonks grinned. "That's fine. And don't bother getting snarky with me, Severus. I know you too well. You don't watch that tongue and I'll have one of the young, eager Aurors escort you instead." He shuddered visibly, and she laughed. As they turned down the Potions hall, she could see that the door to Hermione's lab was open.

"Very well. I think even Weasley would be better than-" he stopped suddenly, frowning. "Finch-Fletchley. I wasn't aware that you were working on this project." They had entered the lab and in addition to Hermione and Hestia, a young curly-haired man was standing in front of the cauldron.

Justin turned and swallowed hard before saying, "P-Professor Snape. I was just speaking with Herm, I had some questions to ask her about a potion I'm working on."

"I see. And have your questions been answered?" Severus asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Yes, sir," Justin said. Severus said nothing, just continued to stare at him darkly. The younger man stammered, "Well… um… I'll just talk to you later, Herm."

"Bye, Just," Hestia called out sarcastically as Justin hurried from the room. "He's starting to get irritating, Hermione. If you don't tell him off soon, I will."

"He's a friend, Hestia. And a coworker to us both – I don't want to alienate him," Hermione said absently. She finished with the stirring rod before turning to Severus. "Hi, there. How did the meeting go?"

Severus shook his head, scowling. "I am to have an… escort… during my travels to and from Hogwarts."

Hermione grinned widely. "Oh, you poor thing… I can't imagine how that must feel," she said in a falsely sweet voice. Severus snorted in amusement.

"Yes, quite." He walked to the cauldron, nodding a greeting to Hestia. "How is it coming along? Is Finch-Fletchley slowing you down?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Really, Severus – he was just here a few minutes. He had some questions about using gillyweed and porcupine quills in the same potion, that's all." Severus made a noncommittal noise.

Hestia smirked. "Yeah, he didn't even get around to asking you to discuss it over lunch this time." She ignored the dark look Hermione threw at her, and caught Severus' gaze. "You need to work with her on her mean skills. She's too damned nice. Never wants to hurt anyone's feelings."

"Hmm. Yes," Severus said thoughtfully. "I have noticed that. Must be a Gryffindor trait."

Hermione smiled slightly. "Oh, I don't know… I never noticed McGonagall avoiding hurting people's feelings."

"Depends on the people," Severus remarked. In a sudden change of subject, he asked, "Do you anticipate being late this evening?" Hermione shook her head. "Good. I will see you later, then," he said, leaning down to give her a quick kiss before leaving the lab.

As they walked down the hall, Severus turned to Tonks with a half-smile. "If I am to be bait, then I assume you won't object to a short trip to Diagon Alley? There are a few… items… that I wish to acquire."

Tonks nodded. "That's fine." He nodded silently in response, and they continued to the Apparition point. Turning to Tonks, he cast the Disillusionment charm on her and watched as she whipped the cloak over her shoulders. "Just walk normally, I'll keep up. If you plan on Apparating unexpectedly, please give me some sort of signal."

"It won't take long," he said before disappearing with a pop.

True to his word, a half an hour later they had left Diagon Alley and were Apparating to Hogwarts. As they entered the front doors of the castle, Tonks took off the Invisibility Cloak and cancelled the Disillusionment charm. "Jewelry, eh? What did you buy, exactly?" she asked with a smile.

He quirked an eyebrow at her. "You didn't see?"

She shook her head. "That big bloke got in my way. I couldn't very well tell him to move."

"Ah. Well, you'll see shortly, if you don't mind coming with me to visit Filius," Severus said. "Actually, I will need you to come with me. He indicated that taking a look at your bracelet would help him duplicate the charms." He began to walk in the direction of Ravenclaw Tower as Tonks trailed behind him, intrigued.

A few minutes later, they stood in Filius Flitwick's office as he cast detection spells on her bracelet. "Ah, yes… I see… quite brilliant, really." He looked up at Tonks and smiled. "Someone thinks rather a lot of you, young woman. These charms are very difficult – take a lot of energy." Tonks blushed, smiling.

He turned to Severus. "Now – do you have the two items you'd like to ch-" Severus handed him a box, which Flitwick opened. Holding up two chains to the light he said, "Ah – very nice. Yes, these will hold the charms well." One chain was gold with a ruby pendant – of very high quality, to judge by the fire the stone gave off in the candlelight - while the other was silver and a bit thicker, with a silver pendant in the shape of the Slytherin crest.

 "I appreciate you taking the time to do this, Filius. I know you have your own work to do, and as you said, the charms take a great deal of energy," Severus said seriously. Flitwick waved him off.

"It's not trouble, none at all. I don't have a project at the moment, and this will be interesting work. And… anything at all that I can do to help, I'm glad to," Filius said with a smile. "I should have these done by this evening, Severus."

"Hmm. Let me take a wild guess which one is yours," Tonks said teasingly as they left Flitwick's office. Severus shot her a quelling glance, and Tonks laughed. "You're just lucky you didn't get her a silver chain with an emerald pendant. She'd have your head!"

"I suspect you're correct," Severus remarked with a half-smile on his face.

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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! The next one should be up by Wednesday. I'm also working on another fic – Cloak of Courage – it's a bit darker than this one but I hope some of you will check it out. I promise not to slow down updates to Scars as a result, though. As always, please read and review! It makes the muses feel all warm and fuzzy inside…

PinkChubbyMonkey – Thanks for reviewing!

Louise Luvgood – I'm glad you liked the conversation. Everyone will find out how close their guesses were in a few chapters… won't comment any before then ;)

Keket – Thanks – I do think when I rewrite the story I will add in some odd looks – you're completely right on that. I'm glad you like Hestia… Ron does have some more growing up to do, and he's kind of wavering on that line (have you been reading my outline? I have some things planned for Ron.)